On-road recharging of the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is the missing link between a hybrid and full EV
The 2025 Lexus NX is available in four powertrains, including two hybrid electric models, in front- or all-wheel drive. Starting prices range from around $42,000 to $64,000 (Photography courtesy of Lexus or as credited)
Jump To Special Features
Lexus NX Overview
What’s New for 2025?
Lexus NX Model Line Pricing
What is California Clean Assist?
NX Safety Features and Technologies
Powertrain and Performance
F Sport Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why Buy the 2025 Lexus NX 450h PHEV?
Specifications
The on-road recharging function of the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is the missing link between a hybrid and full EV. Being able to recharge the small hybrid battery while driving elevates this PHEV as a one-vehicle choice for the tentative EV buyer.
The battery-electric driving range is 26 to 37 miles, which provides emissions-free driving. And because this small SUV can charge on the go, it continues to extend the driving range and fuel savings.
It is a functional system that can be used to bank battery power while running on gasoline. When the charge runs out, hit the console switch for Charge Mode. Switch to EV power to save gas when the battery is full again.
Even when driving in EV mode, the gas engine will kick in for strong acceleration or on steep hills.
Charge mode quickly adds miles while driving at interstate speeds and slower while in town. The recharging was so efficient that I did not need to plug in on my home 240-volt charger. However, on-road charging will only boost the battery to an 80 percent charge, so owners might want to plug in overnight for the full 37-mile range.
This recharging mode elevates the common plug-in hybrid to a strong daily commuter, an enviable vacation traveler, a fuel saver, and an emissions conservator. It is that spoonful of sugar that sweetens the $60,000 price tag.
Recharging on the go should be the future tech for all plug-in hybrids. So far, I have tested only a few PHEVs with this capability, including the Mazda CX-90 and McLaren Artura.
It is easy to get comfortable in the NX driver space. A red interior is a no-cost choice.
2025 Lexus NX Overview
The Lexus NX is a compact-class, five-seat, five-door SUV crossover. It was fully redesigned from the inside out in 2022.
In the Lexus SUV lineup, the compact NX — “Nimble Crossover” — fits between the subcompact UX and the mid-size RX. You might not know by looking at it, but the Lexus NX shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4. The rakishly stylish NX has the same powertrain options and uses the same 105.9-inch wheelbase. The NX is about 2 ½ inches longer and less than a half-inch wider (due to body styling). And the NX roofline is about an inch lower than the RAV4. Still, the NX feels like a smaller compact than the RAV4.
Though nimble to drive, the NX is hampered by wide turning circles of 38 to 40 feet. And the span might be wider on the taller 20-inch tires of the F Sport models.
Comparable small SUVs to the Lexus NX include the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40.
The wireless charging pad is on a sliding shelf with small storage below.
What’s New for 2025?
For the 2025 model year, the NX line has just minor changes. Two new color options are available: Copper Crest (exterior) and Macadamia (interior, Luxury grade only). Inside, two USB Type-C ports are now included in the front console, and a wireless charger is available on all trim levels. Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Auto Rain Sensing Wipers, and a power liftgate are now standard.
Over-the-air updates offer real-time updates for mapping and media.
The optional panoramic glass roof, $1,600, outclasses the small $1,100 power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
2025 Lexus NX Model Line Pricing
The 2025 Lexus NX is available in four powertrains, including two hybrid electric models. The starting prices listed below include the $1,175 freight charge from Miyawaka, Japan. All models are front- or all-wheel drive.
NX 250 FWD/AWD $42,140/$43,740
The 203-hp NX 250 has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
0-60 mph acceleration: 8.2 seconds (FWD), 8.6 seconds (AWD);
EPA-estimated fuel economy: FWD, 26/33/28 mpg city/hwy/combined; AWD 25/32/28. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended.
NX 350 AWD $45,900; NX 350 Premium AWD $47,825
The NX 350 gets a power boost from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 275 hp and eight-speed transmission.
0-60 mph acceleration: 6.6 seconds;
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21/28/24 mpg city/hwy/combined/ Premium fuel is recommended.
NX 350h AWD $46,600
The gasoline-electric hybrid NX 350h has a 240-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and electronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The hybrid system comprises two high-torque electric drive motor generators and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Motor generator 1 starts the engine and charges the hybrid battery.
Motor generator 2 (134-hp) drives the front wheels and provides regeneration during braking.
Rear motor generator (40 hp) drives the rear wheels when tire slippage is detected.
0-60 mph acceleration: 7.2 seconds
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 431/37/39 mpg/city/hwy; premium fuel is recommended.
NX 450h+ AWD PHEV $62,415
The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has an EPA-estimated 37-mile range on electric power only. The combined electric and gas-engine driving range is up to 550 miles. The hybrid system with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is engineered for faster charging times. The system also reduces power loss when converting from AC to DC power. A full charge on a Level 2 240-volt home or public system takes around three hours. A three-prong 7 kW onboard charging cable is standard for use in a household plug.
Electronic AWD optimizes front and rear torque distribution according to the driving conditions.
0-60 mph acceleration: 6 seconds;
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 36 mpg combined, 84 mpg-e; premium fuel is recommended.
NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD $63,505
F Sport performance attributes include Active Variable Suspension (AVS), and front and rear performance dampers. There is no power boost, but performance can be manipulated by driving modes of Normal, Eco, EV, Sport, and Sport S+.
Exclusive F Sport features include:
- Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation;
- A unique performance gauge array;
- Bolstered sport seats, sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and F Sport scuff plates.
- Perforated interior upholstery is available in no-cost colors of black or Circuit Red NuLuxe. Sport-inspired elements and stitching enhance the appearance of seats, steering wheel, and center console.
The exterior is set off by 20-inch black alloy wheels framed by color-key over-fenders. The vehicle is also topped with black roof rails and window surrounds.
Find current Lexus NX pricing here.
Check here for current Lexus NX offers
Today’s featured NX is the top-line 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD. As tested, it cost $66,419. Among the tester’s extras are:
- Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint $595.
- Panoramic view color monitor, $1,070, but the package includes lane-change assist and front cross-traffic alert.
- Wireless phone charging pad and digital key (with a 3-year trial remote connect subscription) $450. (But why is a wireless charging pad an upsell on a $60K vehicle?)
The electric door-release push lever. There also is manual lever below in case the battery dies.
Lexus New Vehicle Warranties
The Lexus NX (and all Lexus models) have warranty coverage of 4 years or 50,000 miles bumper to bumper. No-cost first and second scheduled maintenance services include a free loaner vehicle and a carwash.
Hybrid-related components that require repairs to correct defects in materials or assembly are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles and is transferable across ownership.
A full charge on a Level 2 240-volt home or public system takes around three hours.
What is California Clean Assist?
Lexus and Toyota offer a special Clean Assist program for California plug-in hybrid owners. Eligible Toyota Group vehicles include the Lexus NX 450h+ and Lexus RZ BEV, Toyota Prius Plug-in, Prius Prime, or RAV4 Prime.
The program allows owners of plug-in hybrid models to offset their vehicle charging with 100 percent renewable energy. The automaker matches the electricity used to charge your plug-in or battery-electric vehicle through Renewable Energy Certificates.
Lexus will match the electricity used to charge your plug-in NX with renewable electricity to make your vehicle’s charging free of CO2 emissions.
If applicable, Lexus reports the total amount of your clean energy to state and local regulatory boards. The credits for Low Carbon Fuel Standard help promote and educate EV adoption.
Owners with a registered Lexus account can enroll in the program using the Lexus app. Tap the Clean Assist card to “Enroll Now.”
Learn more about Clean Assist here.
The 302-hp gas-electric hybrid powertrain. (Mark Maynard)
Powertrain and Performance
The gas-electric hybridization is a parallel system with a gas engine, high-voltage lithium-ion battery, and three permanent magnet electric motors. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine brings 181 horsepower, which jumps to 302 hp from the motors and battery.
That’s responsive power for a small SUV weighing 4,475 pounds. On average, my fuel economy was around 33 mpg, but the reward is extending battery driving.
The F Sport has drive modes of Eco, Normal, EV, Sport, and Sport S+. I drove in Eco for most of the week before I switched up. Eco is fine for in-town driving to max fuel economy. Sport is much more engaging, though.
Regenerative braking captures heat from braking and pipes it back to the battery pack. The large, ventilated four-wheel disc brakes have rewarding force without grab or dive. Lexus was not timid in providing braking force. The four-wheel ventilated brakes have 12.9-inch rotors at the front and 12.5 inches rear.
Triple beam LED headlights with washers and cornering lamps.
NX Safety Technologies
In addition to eight air bags and large four-wheel disc brakes, the NX has received multiple safety ratings. So far, the accolades include:
- Five stars from the Euro NCAP;
- Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety;
- NHTSA awarded four out of five stars in its frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test.
I especially enjoyed and took advantage of the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 driver-assistance features. (Full details are in the specs box at the end of the review.)
Typically, I only use the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control on the highway. In this test week, I engaged DRCC in town at 25 mph, and the system almost worked as one-pedal driving. Radar and cameras watch the road ahead to maintain the preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead. The system will automatically slow or stop if the NX gets closer than the preset distance. When the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.
There is a lot to explore among the sophisticated technologies of the Lexus NX.
Lexus NX F Sport features include robust aluminum pedals.
F Sport Ride and Handling
The F Sport model has the hotted-up appearance of the urban street fighter. Except for the adaptive suspension, it’s mostly cosmetic, but the treatment spans from good to horrible. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the NX chassis is solid and ideal for a performance suspension.
The adaptive setup is an eager partner for sporty driving, if that is your intent. But it can be tiring on every drive.
On chunky road surfaces, the suspension instantly stiffens with jarring jolts. Along twisting country roads with undulations and crumbly portions, the suspension continually adjusts and can feel unsettled.
It is a noisy ride, too. No matter how high I crank the 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, it is not enough to silence the wind and road noise. There must not be much soundproofing between the firewall and cabin, which is why I always tried to run on battery power.
The noisy ride might be from the Bridgestone Alenza run-flat tires. The tires have soft compounding (a 300 treadwear rating), which is good for performance adhesion. However, according to user reviews at TireRack.com , these tires were worn to the treadwear bars between 7,800 to 8,500 miles. Replacements will run around $385 each, not including installation, etc.
The Lexus Spindle Grille is a brand-defining style feature.
Interior Function
It is easy to get comfortable in the NX driver space, but headroom might be an issue for the big and tall. The NX is, after all, a compact. Front headroom of 38.3 inches is acceptable for most, with long legroom of 41 inches.
Drivers of shorter stature will appreciate how far forward the power seats can move.
The optional wireless charging pad is a smart design. It sits on a sliding shelf that will fit large phones and is adjacent to the USB charging ports. The clever part is that the shelf can slide forward to reveal small storage below.
There also is usable stash space in the door panels and a locking glove box.
I liked the multiview camera system, showing front, rear, and an overhead view to show how badly I parked. And all doors have a locking sensor, which is a big plus for me. It saves a second or two from having to unlock the front doors to get into the back. Seconds matter when loading children.
The NX back seat is reasonably comfortable with a couple notches of recline. (Mark Maynard)
Back Seat and Cargo Space
The 60/40 split bench is reasonably comfortable with a couple of notches of recline. Headroom is good at 37.1 inches. Legroom sounds good at 36.1 inches unless Uncle Long John is seated ahead.
Foot space getting in and out is tight for adults.
Back seat amenities include the fold-down armrest with can holders. There are grab handles with jack hooks above each door, two charging USBs, and a 12-volt plug.
Fold the back seat for about 6 feet in length.
Cargo Space
Cargo space is functional at 22.7 cubic feet, stacking gear to the ceiling. The tailgate entry is a broad 39 inches with about 29 inches from floor to headliner. Fold the back seat for 6 feet in length, with the front seat powered forward.
Under-cargo storage has divided portions to carry the charging cable, next to the 12-volt battery. Access to the battery is convenient for the occasional jump start.
Tidy underfloor storage for the charging cable, and easy access to the 12-volt battery. (Mark Maynard)
Why Buy the 2025 Lexus NX 450h PHEV?
The 2025 Lexus NX plug-in hybrid is appealing as an all-around SUV crossover. Its small size makes for an ideal navigator in congested urban centers. AWD is a plus. With the NX vault of safety features, parents can feel secure in rewarding their graduates with any level of NX.
Amping up the performance for the F Sport might be overkill. The NX is better as an electrified choice than a performance vehicle.
I am a proponent of a plug-in that can be recharged while driving. But at what cost? There is a $15,815 starting price separation between the NX 450h+ PHEV and the hybrid NX 350h AWD. Is there enough green value to the NX plug-in pricing, or will buyers bank the price difference for gasoline?
Let me know which model you would buy and why. Email me at MarkMaynard@cox.net.
You might not know by looking at it, but the Lexus NX shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4.
2025 Lexus NX 450h Specifications
Body style: compact 5-seat, 5-door SUV crossover with full-time all-weather drive (AWD)
Engine: 181 hp A25A-FXS 2.5 liter in-line 4-cylinder with D4S port and direct fuel injection;
Hybrid power system: Series parallel system with gas engine, high-voltage battery, and electric motors; Permanent magnet motors
Total system power: 302 hp
Motor generator 1: Generator, engine starter, charges hybrid battery
Motor generator 2: Drives front wheels, regeneration during braking
Rear motor generator: Drives rear wheels, regeneration during braking
Battery: 355.2-volt lithium-ion
Transmission: E-CVT with electronic all- or front-wheel-drive control
Plug-in Hybrid fuel economy: 36 mpg combined city/hwy; 84 mpg-e fuel-economy equivalent; premium fuel required
Battery driving range: up to 37 miles
Total driving range: 550 miles electric and gas
Coefficient of drag: 0.37 Cd with 20-inch wheels
60 mph acceleration: 6 seconds; top track speed 124 mph
Charging: 12 hours to charge using a 120-volt outlet or about 2.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.
BY THE NUMBERS
Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons
Cargo space: 22.7/46.9 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 38.3*/41 inches *w/sunroof
Rear head/leg room: 37.1/36.1 inches
Length/wheelbase: 183.5/105.9 inches
Width/height: 73.4/65.8 inches
Track width, f/r: 63.2/64.0 inches
Curb weight: 4,475 pounds
Turning circle: 40 feet
SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
The standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. Using a camera and millimeter-wave radar, the pre-collision system can help detect and alert to a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist. If the driver does not react, the system can use automatic emergency braking between 7 and 110 mph.
Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking. If turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle, the system will issue a warning alert followed by automatic braking, which is functional during daylight hours.
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist. Emergency maneuvers get an additional steering boost to prevent lane departure. The assistance functions between 25-50 mph, and the relative speed to the detected object is between 25-50 mph.
Emergency Driving Stop System. If the system detects no driver input for a time, audible warnings will alert the driver. If the driver does not respond, the system will slow the vehicle to a stop, keeping it safely in the lane. EDSS only operates when driving on expressways with DRCC and LTA activated.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Functional above 32 mph, LDA w/SA will issue audible and visual alerts if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system will initiate gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
Proactive Driving Assist. Using a camera and radar, PDA monitors distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. The system will engage gentle braking and steering into curves as needed.
Road Sign Assist. A camera detects speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs. A signage icon is displayed in the driver gauge array and head-up display.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Radar and cameras work to maintain the preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead. If the car gets closer than the preset distance, the system will automatically slow or stop it. When the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.
Lane Tracing Assist. When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is enabled, LTA uses the lines on the road and preceding vehicles for active driving assistance. The system will help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated discs; front, 12.9-inch rotors; rear rotors, 12.48 inches; 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS
Steering: Electric power-assisted; 40-foot turning circle
Tires-wheels: run-flat Bridgestone Alenza 235/50R20 standard; UTQG 300
Suspension: front, MacPherson strut type; rear, trailing arm type double-wishbone
PRICING
Base price: $63,505, including $1,175 freight charge; price as tested $66,419
Options on test vehicle: premium Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint, $595; panoramic view monitor with lane-change assist and front traffic alert, $1,070; wireless phone charging and digital key, $450; activity mount (trailer hitch), $390; illuminated cargo sills, $300; rear and side door puddle lamps, $325; illuminated door sills, $460; cargo mat, net, and key glove, $240; wheel locks $95;
Where assembled: Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan
Warranties:
- Bumper to bumper, 4-years/50,000-miles for all components other than normal wear and maintenance items; wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles;
- Hybrid system: 8-years/100,000-miles for Hybrid control module, Hybrid battery control module, Hybrid battery, and inverter with converter;
- Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles, covering engine, transmission and transaxle, front-wheel-drive system, and rear-wheel drive.
